(Shenzhen, China, 06-June-2022) AlpsenTek announced today it has completed a Series A funding round totaling nearly 200 million RMB. The round was co-led by Xunxing Investment (the investment arm of OPPO) and Cowin Capital. The investors also includes ArcSoft, Sunny Optical Industry Investment Fund, Glory Ventures, Shenzhen Angel FOF, Lenovo Capital, and Zero2IPO Ventures.
Jian Deng, founder and CEO of AlpsenTek, stated that the fresh fund will accelerate the vertical integration and horizontal expansion of the company’s products and solutions in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector, while driving new product development.
To Build AI eye for the IoT Era
Moving beyond the respective limitations of traditional CIS sensor and Event-Based Vision (EVS) sensors, AlpsenTek utilizes a proprietary hybrid pixel structure. In September 2021, the company debuted the ALPIX-Pilatus, the prototype powered by its hybrid vision architecture.
By merging legacy imaging with event-based sensing, the chip delivers high frame rates, high dynamic range, and low power consumption with lower data redundancy. This allows machines to “see” smartly while reducing system costs for mobile handsets, security systems, and automotive applications.
“With our development and supply-chain capabilities, we are on track to begin small-batch production of two hybrid vision sensors by end of 2022,” said Deng. “These will target mobile imaging and the IoT devices. As well, we plan to make moves by IP licensing and supplying total solutions.”
Supports from the Industry
Strategic investors view AlpsenTek’s approach as a solution to a long-standing industry hurdles. Qiao Yuting, head of Xunxing Investment, noted that the Hybrid Vision solution solves the registration challenges of cross-modal imaging.“AlpsenTek’s fusion of CIS and EVS represents the future of event-based sensing—combining low latency and low power with inherent privacy protection,” Qiao said.
Hu Qingping, Managing Director of Cowin Capital, added,“EVS technology is a sensor born for machine vision. With a team that bridges vision chip design and AI, AlpsenTek is now preparing for the IoT and automotive markets.”
It was echoed by Xiao Chaojun, General Manager of Sunny Optical Industry Investment Fund, who emphasized the importance of ecosystem collaboration. “As a early researcher in EVS, the AlpsenTek team has a deep understanding of IC design and manufacturing processes. They are a vital force in the industrialization of EVS across AR/VR device and automotives”
ArcSoft, a well-known company in computer vision software development, also highlighted this innovation. “This hybrid vision technology provides a new problem-solving methodology for computer vision industry,” the company stated in a release.
Scaling for Growth
This latest round follows previous investments of Lenovo, HikVision and iFLYTEK. According to AlpsenTek COO Shan Kuang, the company has set research and development arms in Shenzhen, Zurich, Beijing, and Nanjing.
AlpsenTek also confirmed that its new flagship product designed for premium imaging is currently in the final stages of design and will be launched soon.
